Spousal sponsorship applications are thoroughly assessed by immigration officers to determine the genuineness of the applicants’ relationship. Typically, applicants must include letters of support and/or personal statements to demonstrate to the immigration officer that their relationship is authentic.
We often receive questions from our clients about the proof of relationship letters. Clients want to know what their friends and family should include in the letters to indicate that the couple’s relationship is genuine.
There are a few key points we suggest that friends and family members of the couple include in a relationship support letter:
Your relationship to the couple
A description of how the relationship started and how you became aware of the relationship
A statement that, in your judgement, the couple is in a real, ongoing, genuine relationship based on your experience and knowledge
Your contact information in case the immigration officer requires further information
It’s important to remember that immigration officers are searching for any indication that the marriage is one of convenience or one that is forced. To demonstrate that the marriage is authentic and not a legal union for the purpose of immigration, you should show that there is a rich history in the relationship and that the couple has been gradually building a life together.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not list the letter of support as a requirement in the document checklist. However, it’s important to note that the onus is on the applicant to prove their case. We almost always recommend that applicants submit a letter of support with their application to help strengthen their case and increase their odds of success.
Some other pieces of documentation you can submit with your application include:
Proof of the wedding (invitations, save the date, guest list, wedding ceremony program, receipts from the venue, receipts from catering, etc.)
Congratulatory wedding cards addressed to the couple
Wedding photos
Plane tickets and passport stamps for the couple’s visits between their countries of residence to visit each other
Relationship photos
Proof of correspondence between the couple (e.g. emails, letters, text conversations, social media interaction, etc.)
Here's how we can help
It’s often helpful to consult an immigration professional for a complex application, such as a spousal sponsorship. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to determine which information is needed and how much information to provide.
Our Services
Calver Immigration Consulting Inc. is rated Canada's number one boutique immigration consultancy. We serve clients across Canada and internationally. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in Canada and abroad.
We can assist with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
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